New spy shots of the Ford Ecosport show a long line of vehicles near the factory, meaning that production of the Ecosport in China has started. The Ford Ecosport is made in China by the Chang’an-Ford joint venture, it will be luanched on the China car market in early 2013, debut is expected at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November.
Titanium version here. Power will come from the brand-new a 1 liter three cylinder EcoBoost engine with 120hp and 170nm. We heard however that Ford is considering to offer a bigger engine for the China market where 3-cylinders are often associated with crappy Xiali taxi’s and other old-fashioned stuff. The Ecosport is big enough to hold a 1.6 or a 1.8. Price of the 1.0 will start around 100.000 yuan, dropping the Ecosport straight in one of the most competetive market segments in China. With the mighty Ford-name behind it, the Ecosport might survive very well.
Via: Autohome.
Putting that spare in the back really takes away from the premium feel. If it wants to keep that soft roader image then it might as well have thicker tires and body cladding without the fancy wheels. It looks like a small city SUV with the tire as an after thought.